Members of Mackie Rugby Club, Stonehaven and Garioch Rugby Club, Inverurie have cycled the 180 miles between Aberdeen and Inverness as part of their pre-season preparations and to raise money for charity.

In undertaking the two-day “Ride the North” challenge the two clubs raised money for The Sandpiper Trust and Charlie’s House and Maggies Cancer Caring Centres, respectively. Between them some £20,356 has been raised.

Eight members of the Garioch club did the cycle, while 20 Mammoths (old boys players), wives and girlfriends and a sponsor undertook the cycle for Mackie.

Craig Gauld from the Stonehaven club, said: “The weekend turned out to be fantastic with the two clubs involved. There was some fantastic rugby banter and rivalry, with Mackie naturally coming out on top.

“It was a fantastic fundraising effort from both teams and we’re looking forward to getting even more clubs involved with the cycle next year.

“Recently we have also been thinking about a charity cycle from Stonehaven to Murrayfield over three days for next year’s pre-season training.”

Craig Mitchell from Garioch, said: “Having raised £12.5k and had our small team complete the ride, our with a broken ankle, we will gift the huge Mammoths team their ‘moral victory’ and the claim to have come out on top – they need to win something.”